Jean-Paul Philippot Re-Elected as EBU President

GENEVA: Jean-Paul Philippot has been re-elected for a fifth consecutive term as president of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Philippot (RTBF, Belgium) began his tenure as leader of the European union of public broadcasters in 2009 and will serve for another two years before ending his presidency in 2018. Monica Maggioni (RAI, Italy), who has served as EBU VP since 2015, was also re-elected for a two-year term.

“I am thankful that once again EBU members have expressed their confidence in my work as president,” said Philippot. “In my heart and mind, I strongly believe that PSM values are the cornerstone of every democratic society. These values drive all decisions taken within the EBU.”

“I am looking forward to continuing to work alongside each and every one of our members,” he added. “You are the spirit animating the Union; committed members which develop, grow and adapt our community.”

Maggioni told members that this was a “challenging time for all public service media in Europe.

“Despite our differences, we need to strengthen our ties, and work together towards a common goal in a spirit of cooperation and solidarity. Only a shared perspective will help us face today’s many challenges, in a complex, fast-moving media environment with pressures from diverse political and commercial interests.

“I’m proud and thankful for the work we have done so far since my election in 2015. I strongly believe in what we are doing, and I am looking forward to the opportunity of continuing what we have started.”